Holy Week in Guatemala and Sawdust Carpets

This week is Holy week in Guatemala. It is a time in Guatemala for spiritual rejoicing, time for reflection over the life, passion, death and the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. A union of Catholic brotherhoods prepare for the traditional days of processions to honor Jesus of Nazareth and the Virgin Mary, among other religious figures. Sawdust carpets, or "alfombras", like the one below, are a basic element of the overwhelming Holy week celebrations in Guatemala. The long and extraordinary carpets are part of a rich and popular art culture of Guatemala. They clearly illustrate the mixture of native and Christian-Spanish civilizations and the impact on their current lifestyle. The manufacturing of an "alfombra" is a way for believers to show gratitude for the miracle of thier belief. This is really magnificent to see and I'm sure the pictures will not do the detail of these carpets justice.

We wouldn't know where to start with making one of these artistic creations to show our gratitude, but, make no mistake, we do know that there is a God and He is most merciful and we are so very, very thankful for all of the wonderful blessings He has given us.